Monday, December 06, 2010

Wasting Away in Blogaritaville

"I'm way past my sell-by date and am on precious borrowed time. I should have gone down a long time ago. Lots of days, I wish I had."

—Ken Bruen, The Magdalen Martyrs

What the hell is this? Is Charlie giving up on life?

No.

Rather, life is giving up on Charlie.

Is death imminent? Not that I know of, but one never knows. I do know that I feel less well, now that pain has entered the picture. At the risk of complaining, the last week has been miserable.

I have decided, then, that it is time to hang up my blogging hat. What has been a joy since 2005 is, at the end of 2010, a pursuit I have absolutely no chance of keeping up with— either writing, reading, or commenting.

There is a bit of selfishness here, too. I can still read on my Kindle, albeit blurry, but it's nothing like trying to read the computer screen. The trick with the Kindle is to hold it close to my face without getting those bothersome nose prints on the screen.

I'll still be lurking around, though, so there will be no goodbyes. I'll update my books read and favorite movies when I'm able, and I'll visit your blogs as I can.

I do want to thank you all for the hundreds of hours you've spent sharing your lives with me. I love you all.

26 comments:

Ponita
said...

Oh Charlie... It's gotta be tough to hang up your blogging hat. I've loved reading what you write, and reading your comments here and there on other blogs. I do hope you'll still do that once in a while. You will be greatly missed, Professor! Please do take care, as best you can...

I wish I knew what to say. Your post is a gift and I thank you for it.I've been dropping this quote from a Chicago Tribune columnist who lost her mother recently on a few comment sections. Let me know what you think if you can. "What feels like manure often turns out to be fertilizer."all the best - we love you

Sweet ol' man... whatever you decide should be done with you and only you in mind. Do take care and know you've touched my life and I feel honored to have met you through blogging. I will miss you much. Love 'ya lots!

I miss you already, Charlie. Your posts are a shining light in this crazy old blogosphere and you can bet I will keep checking back just in case you feel the muse move you on occasion. Take care of yourself, my friend. We'll hold a spot open for you.

Darling Charlie my eyes keep watering - I'm starting a cold so I won't send you any germy hugs.My step-daughter brought her Kindle to show me and I'm so glad you can use it.I just read a really good book, so in case you haven't read it it's 'True North ' by Kimberly Kafka.Good - there's more to come.

Does this mean I'm not going to get that picture, you old poop??? Byron said " if I laugh at any mortal thing, 'Tis that I may not weep”. So I'm trying, but dammit, I don't think it's working. No...it's definitely not working. And now I'll probably have to explain red and puffy eyes to these nitwits I work with, because even though they're generally clueless, THIS they'll notice. I can't remember what life was like without regular doses of your sense and nonsense, Charlie, but looking forward to a world with no lectures from Professor Worm is a pretty bleak prospect. Byron also said “If I don't write to empty my mind, I go mad.” I just typed this all through a blur of tears, so I kind of get what you're up against. But please don't go mad. Throw out a few words from time to time if you can; it'll be good for all of us.

Charlie & I had a great long chat tonight and he is plugging along, doing the best he can under these circumstances. Reading & typing are extremely difficult for him right now, but I know he misses this blog and all his friends here. His spirit is still strong & he is as curmudgeonly as ever!

Charlie, you were the first blogger (after Kara) I ever followed and an inspiration to me to begin my own blog. There is a lot to be said for bowing out while you are still at the top of your game. Gary Larson and Lance Armstrong knew the value of timing as well. Your contributions to the bloggosphere will be missed, but we all understand.

You have a deep appreciation of the value of life, but more importantly, you have a loving partner with whom to share it now, and where it will eventually take you. I will miss your blog but know you are there. Thank you!!

Hey Charlie. Sorry to post again. I found you blog a few days ago via the domesticated bohemian and have been reading it ever since.The first night I read your blog, I was listening to a song and I wanted to share it simply because it reminds me of that first reading.It's an old spiritual from the 1920s, and as I understand you're not religious and would want you to think this was some sort of a plug--I just enjoy the aesthetics and thought you might too.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=or1oZ35NA2U

Know that the thoughts of a stranger (and I'm sure, many other strangers) are with you and Martha right now. Thank you for your blog and I wish I had found it sooner.

As you know, your writing touched me like no other blog. My hubby James and I spent so many hours talking after reading some of your posts. And reading your writing and dealing with my childhood issues has helped me more than I can ever tell you or thank you for. I don't know if you will read this comment. But I know my deep respect for all you have gone through and come through in this life will in some small way reach you. Much love to you and Martha from James and me.